The difference between governing and bomb-throwing

The Durango Herald had an interesting editorial over the weekend about how incoming state House Speaker Frank McNulty is taking on the mantle of leadership and shedding the role of bomb-thrower.

That’s what should happen when you go from minority to majority status, but the Herald argues that it doesn’t happen often enough. And the piece points out that lawmakers in Washington could learn from McNulty, a Highlands Ranch Republican.

“We’re in the majority now. We have an obligation to govern. Coloradans expect us to do that. Our goal should be to find that common ground. Lobbing grenades from one side of the aisle to the other isn’t the best way to start.”

Good for him. Two questions, though. How many of his fellow legislators might endorse that as a statement of principle? And could he send copies to some folks in Washington?

The incoming speaker of the U.S. House, Republican John Boehner, could benefit from that advice, as could Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. And it could not hurt if President Obama and Nancy Pelosi also read McNulty’s comments.

The editorial riffs off a Denver Post story earlier this month by Tim Hoover that speaks to Republicans’ evolving position on repealing the FASTER fees, which increased vehicle registration costs to pay for road and bridge repairs.

The story talks about how Republicans, now that they’ve won a majority in the state House, do not see the feasibility of pursuing a FASTER appeal since Democrats still hold the Senate and the governor’s mansion.

It’s the right foot to start out on, but the proof will play out in the upcoming session of the state legislature.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.